Aromatic Aphrodisiacs :: Holistic Healing

Aromatic Aphrodisiacs
by author Bev Gray

Spice up your love life this Valentine’s Day by evoking the spirit of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.

Aphrodite used the aromatic petals of roses in her romantic repertoire because she believed they were uplifting and helped to restore a woman’s connection to her femininity. Today the red rose still symbolizes love and affection. The colour and smell of the rose evokes an atmosphere of romance.

We are all sensual beings, affected, consciously and subconsciously, by our senses. One of our most primal reactions, our sense of smell, comes from our olfactory system. Odours stimulate the nerve endings of the olfactory bulb, which lies at the back of the nose. These nerve endings, in turn, stimulate a part of the brain called the limbic system, associated with emotions, memories, and sex drive.

Essential oils are especially effective at stimulating our olfactory system because the molecules of the oils are so small they can enter the bloodstream rapidly and be carried to all parts of the body. This allows the aromatic essential oils to affect not just our sense of smell but our entire beings.

Applications

Essential oils can be used to create a romantic atmosphere by including them in an aromatherapy diffuser, in a romantic bath, or in a massage oil. Taking the time to prepare an aromatic aphrodisiac nourishes our desire for sexuality–and it’s this desire that may be the most potent aphrodisiac of all.

The essential oil diffuser is the most common way of using and enjoying essential oils. Not only does it make your space aromatic but the candlelight helps create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. Oils are heated in water so that they are vaporized (diffused) into the air. This makes your space smell great while influencing your mental state and energy in positive ways.

Romance in the Middle of the Day Diffuser Blend:

4 drops orange (Citrus sinensis)
3 drops clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
2 drops ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
2 drops patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Massage is one of the most beneficial methods of using oils. Massage can be self- administered to the face, hands, feet, legs, arms, hands and the abdomen, combining the therapeutic value of touch with the healing qualities of the oils. (For massage, essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil.)

Roses are Red Sensuality Massage:

4 drops rose otto (Rosa damascene)
6 drops jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum)
6 drops sandalwood (Santalum album)
4 drops ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
2 Tbsp (30 mL) grape seed oil
Mix essential oils with grape seed oil in a 30 mL bottle.

Baths are an easy way to use essential oils, combining the benefits of inhalation with the powers of absorption through the skin. Some oils such as lavender can be used directly in the bath but others, such as citrus oils, should be used only in a carrier oil. Mix 10 drops of essential oil with one tablespoon (15 mL) of carrier oil.

Steamy Tub for Two:

4 drops jasmine absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum)
4 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
1 Tbsp (15 mL) grape seed oil

Aromatic Aphrodisiacs

Rose otto (Rosa damascene) is especially beneficial for women; it can help to balance hormones, has a tonic effect on the reproductive organs, and can enhance sexuality.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) induces a state of calmness and serenity and relieves nervous tension. It is considered a sexual restorative for both women and men and has a deep, rich woodsy scent.

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) is deeply relaxing, exotic, and sensuous. It has a rich, intense sweet floral fragrance.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is an ancient fragrance which has a rich, primal earthy scent.

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) helps to relieve nervous tension, has mild euphoric properties, and is said to restore sexual confidence; it has an exotic, fruity floral fragrance.

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) helps to balance hormones. It has sedative, almost euphoric properties and can relieve emotional tension that interferes with sexuality.

Bev Gray, a skilled herbalist, registered aromatherapist, and educator, loves to share her passion for medicinal and aromatic plants. She owns Aroma Borealis Herb Shop in Whitehorse, Yukon (aromaborealis.com) and is the recent recipient of the Yukon Business Person of the Year Award.

Source: alive #268, February 2005

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